childishness
Noun: 1. The quality or state of being childish; behavior, characteristics, or attitudes typical of a child. - This refers to the inherent property of exhibiting traits like innocence, simplicity, or immaturity that are characteristic of a child. 2. Immature or foolish behavior inappropriate for an adult. - This sense often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of maturity or the indulgence in silly, petulant, or irresponsible conduct.
The noun "childishness" describes a state or quality. It is typically used to comment on behavior or attitudes. - It can be used in a neutral or slightly positive way to describe endearing, innocent childlike qualities. - More commonly, it is used critically to denote immature behavior that is unbecoming of an adult's age or situation.
- Neutral/Descriptive:
- There was a charming childishness in her excitement over simple things.
- The author captured the childishness of the character's wonder perfectly.
- Critical/Negative:
- His constant need for attention was sheer childishness.
- We cannot afford such childishness in a serious business meeting.
- Arguing over who gets the bigger piece of cake is pure childishness.
- "to descend into childishness": to begin behaving in an immature or foolish manner.
- Whenever they debate, the conversation quickly descends into childishness and name-calling.
- "a moment of childishness": a single, brief instance of immature behavior.
- He regretted his moment of childishness when he stormed out of the room.
- Childish (adj): of, like, or appropriate to a child; (often derogatory) immature and silly.
- a childish sense of humor (neutral)
- a childish refusal to admit you're wrong (negative)
- Childlike (adj): (of an adult) having the good qualities, such as innocence, associated with a child.
- She has a childlike faith in people's goodness. (Generally positive)
- Puerility (n, formal): childishness; triviality.
- Immaturity: lack of emotional or intellectual development.
- Juvenility: the state or quality of being youthful or juvenile.
- Infantilism: persistent childish behavior in an adult (often clinical).
- Silliness: lack of common sense or judgment; foolishness.
- Maturity: the state of being fully developed in personality and behavior.
- Adulthood: the state or condition of being fully grown or mature.
- Sobriety: the quality of being staid, solemn, or serious.
- "Act your age, not your shoe size!": A common rebuke implying someone is behaving with the childishness of a very young child.
- Stop pouting! Act your age, not your shoe size!
- a property characteristic of a child